In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a local node of a network, a sequenced data packet of a flow made up of multiple sequenced data packets from a source node directed toward a destination node. The flow is to be parsed by the local node to describe the flow for administration of the network. Based on sequence data in the sequenced data packet, it is determined whether the sequenced data packet is out of order in the flow. If it is determined that the sequenced data packet is out of order, then the sequenced data packet is forwarded toward the destination node before parsing the sequenced data packet. The out of order sequenced data packet is also stored for subsequent parsing at the local node.